Everett, Washington: A US woman accused of using her espresso stands as drive-thru brothels is suing the city of Everett in Washington state to recover $US250,000 ($280,867) she says was wrongfully seized by police.

Carmela Panico owns the Java Juggs and Twin Peaks “bikini baristas”.

She was arrested in June and accused of promoting prostitution, but she has not been charged.

The cash was seized in a search of her home in Washington state.

The Daily Herald reports the lawsuit was filed after Ms Panico was notified that the city planned to keep the cash as proceeds from criminal activity.

Coffee shops in the Seattle area introduced bikini baristas several years ago, hiring attractive young women to serve up steamy espressos and lattes while wearing as little as a G-string and pasties.